Guide to Building a Gaming Computer

Guide to Building a Gaming Computer

By Porthos Du Vallon 

A gaming computer, also known as a gaming PC, is a personal computer capable of playing reliable video games and requiring imagery. They are very similar to regular computers except that these devices are equipped with a performance-focused video card and other specifications. This type of computer can be easily purchased on the market but at a much higher price compared to standard computers. As more and more players realize the cost and performance, many prefer to build their own gaming computer rather than buy a built-in gaming computer.

Customizing your gaming computer means that you buy all the parts of your computer separately and assemble them together to assemble your gaming PC. This way you can get a fast and inexpensive gaming computer that suits your gaming needs. Aside from saving a lot of money and having a well-functioning machine, building your own gaming computer can also be a lot of fun.

How to choose your parts?

Perhaps the greatest challenge a person can face in building his own gaming computer is choosing the right parts for your needs. So without wasting any time, here is a simple guide to help you build your gaming computer.

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Central Processing Unit (CPU) is one of the most important components of all computer systems. The CPU is part of the system that executes computer program instructions. In simple terms, it can describe as a computer brain. The performance of your games and other applications will depend on this microprocessor.

Choosing the best Central Processing Unit (CPU) for your gaming computer can be a difficult decision. Choosing the latest, fastest, or most expensive processor on the market will not always result in the right CPU for your particular system. Some processors are designed to work with specific or specific motherboards, thus the CPU type limits the type of motherboard you can use.

In a gaming computer, you will really need a powerful CPU for it to work properly. Fortunately, these CPUs are offered by Intel and AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) at an affordable price.

Intel has models for Core i7 and Core i5. Currently, these models are the most popular for gaming purposes, highly recommended for gaming computers.

AMD, on the other hand, has the Athlon and Phenom series. If you want to go to AMD, you can try the highly recommended Phenom X4 series.

2. Motherboard

The motherboard is a computer system hub. This is where all the other components are connected. If we consider the CPU as a computer system brain, then the motherboard is a central nervous system. So buying the best motherboard is a good investment.

After selecting your CPU, next you need to consider choosing your motherboard for your gaming computer. When choosing a motherboard, you should keep in mind three things.

First, the motherboard will usually only support one type of processor. Different CPUs have different physical connectors, Make sure your CPU plug fits your motherboard connector.

Second, motherboards have a certain speed limit depending on the processing model. The maximum processing speed approved by the motherboard will be quoted in the motherboard definitions. Before buying, check that the motherboard you selected can support the CPU you selected.

Third, motherboards are the only ones that can determine the type and amount of RAM you can have. On a gaming computer, you may want to have DDR SDRAM or RDRAM at least 1G. So make sure your motherboard can support this type and amount of memory.

Here are some examples of well-known motherboard manufacturers where you can browse your ideal gaming motherboard: ASUS, ABIT, MSI, XFX, EVGA, Intel, and Gigabyte.

3. Hard Drive

A hard drive is the computer component responsible for storing your files and programs. When buying a hard drive for your gaming computer, consider three key factors: speed, size, and type of interface.

[Speed] Basically when the hard drive turns faster you can access and transfer your data. Currently, the best hard drives on the market these days can have speeds of up to 7200rpm (rounds per minute). On a gaming computer, you want nothing less than this; some will cause delays between reading and writing data.

Fast hard drives with speeds of 10,000rpm and 15,000rpm are available in the market at high prices. On your gaming computer, a 7200rpm hard drive is already sufficient but if you can afford the extra money, you can opt for these faster hard drives.

[Size] Hard drives come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 80GB to 500GB and up. On your gaming computer, it is always recommended that you purchase a large hard drive that you can afford. This will allow you to save a lot of software and data (including games).

[Interface] The hard drive interface is responsible for controlling the exchange of data between a computer and a hard drive. Currently, the most widely used hard drive connector today is the Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA); which comes in two modes, the first Parallel ATA (PATA) and the newer and faster Serial ATA (SATA).

There is also an expensive Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) used mainly for high-performance computer computers. On your gaming computer, it is enough to have SATA if your motherboard can support it.

4. Video card

Choosing the right video card backed by your CPU and motherboard is the most important and difficult decision you have to make. The video card of your choice will be responsible for producing brilliant 3D graphics and visual effects in the latest computer games. A better graphics card can bring a better 3D gaming experience, so the best and most affordable video card should be purchased for your gaming computer.

The Graphics Unit (GPU) can be connected to your motherboard via the AGP or PCI Express slot. On your gaming computer, it is recommended that you use a photo card connected to the PCI Express space on your motherboard.

GPU speed and efficiency should not be the only thing that matters when you buy your video card. You should also consider advanced 3D effects such as anti-aliasing, anisotropic filtering, bump-mapping, pixel shaders, and much more. With your gaming computer, think of a video card that can support such latest 3D rendering methods in the software world.

Like the CPU market, there are two major competing companies currently on the graphics card. These companies are ATI and Nvidia. ATI is responsible for the Radeon series, while Nvidia is marketing the GeForce card line.

5. Power supply

One of the most important and neglected parts of a computer program is electrical power. Without a power supply, the computer will not be able to use its functions. Its main purpose is to convert AC power from high voltage to low voltage DC power to internal components of a computer. The power supply provides three different DC power supplies to your computer 12VDC, 5VDC, and 3VDC used separately for computer components.

Each power supply has a specific amount of power or wattage based on high output power. Power consumption typically ranges from 300W to 500W but some high-performance gaming power can reach a range of 800W to 1kW.

If you want to use the power supply on your gaming computer, it is recommended that you have power of at least 500W and above.

6. Gaming Monitor

One of the most expensive parts of your gaming computer can be computer monitoring. When buying a gaming computer monitor you only need to pay attention to three things: size, native adjustment, and price.

[Size] Computer monitors come in sizes ranging from 15 inches to 23 inches, and even larger. 17 inches is normal size and is big enough for most people, but if you want to increase your viewing and playing skills then a larger size is recommended.

[Indigenous Correction] Each unit is designed for a specific adjustment, known as a traditional correction. If you change the monitor configuration to a solution that is not compatible with its native configuration; the image will be scaled and the quality will be greatly reduced. The traditional adjustment of the monitor depends on its size. Here are some examples of traditional size adjustments:

17 inches 1024x768

19 inches 1280x1024

20 inches 1600x1200

[Cost] Prices vary widely between sizes, with smaller ones cheaper than hundreds. So choose a size that fits your needs while considering your budget.

7. Play keyboard

Custom-designed keyboards are specially designed for games that can limit the player you are using. But for now, no standard gaming keyboard can be recommended for all players. Why? This is because different gamers have a different style of play, posture, and wrist shapes. So basically, there is no such thing as a gaming keyboard for everyone.

According to Build-Gaming-Computers, one of the best gaming keyboards available on the market is the Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard. This keyboard is customized to meet your player's needs. Specific features:

a. Adjustable, rear-mounted LCD screen that displays important in-game information during gameplay;

b. Lights backed to play in dark or dimly lit areas;

c. 18 systematic "G keys" used for macros; and

d. Time controls to track game events.

8. Play mouse

As a gaming keyboard, choosing the best gaming mouse can help enhance your gaming experience. Using a custom-designed gaming mouse provides the best precision and control that allows you to play games to the best of your ability.

The computer mouse comes in a variety of formats such as visual mice, laser, and ball. At present, the optical and laser-type mouse is often used for its precision and better tracking, which allows for more precision and control.

When choosing the best mouse for your gaming computer, you should consider a few things. One of the most important factors is the decision. Adjustment of the number of pixels in each inch of the mouse's visual acuity and the focus lens can detect when moving the mouse. The higher the mouse, the better the accuracy and precision.

Next, consider the response of the mouse. The number of megapixels per second that a mouse can process. This is especially important in fast-paced games such as first-person shooters. When a mouse is able to generate many megapixels per second, it reacts very well; thus providing faster and more precise control over your games.

So when buying a toy mouse, consider the design and reaction of the mouse you are going to buy.

Custom Gaming Computer Build

Here are some examples of custom-built computer games developed by Build-Gaming-Computers.